SALEM, Ore.—Take a friend new to the sport out hunting this year—you might win a prize!

ODFW launched its second Take a Friend Hunting contest today. Hunters who take someone new to the sport out hunting—or even someone who just hasn’t hunted in several years—can enter to win prizes including hunting gear and a statewide deer tag for 2019.

To be eligible for the contest, both the experienced hunter (mentor) and the new or returning hunter (mentee) must have a valid 2018 Oregon hunting license and be age 18 or older. New or returning hunters are those who have never purchased an Oregon hunting license before 2018, purchased for the first time in 2017 (so hunting for the second time in 2018), or have not purchased since 2013.

Both Oregon residents and non-residents are eligible to enter the contest. Hunters can take a friend, spouse or any family member along hunting, as long as they meet eligibility requirements.

Last year was the first Take a Friend Hunting Contest. A total of 1,546 people joined the contest (773 entries of two hunters, the mentor and the mentee) and 22 people won prizes from $50 gift cards to the grand prize of a statewide deer tag.

Another statewide deer tag will be offered this year (for the 2019 season). See other prizes below.

"Learning to hunt can be challenging for adults who didn’t grow up hunting,” said Chris Willard, ODFW recruitment and retention coordinator. “Mentoring by a friend or relative is a great way for those interested in hunting to get started.

“This year step up and take a friend hunting. Or, if you've never hunted and would like to learn how, ask a friend who hunts to take you along,” Willard added. “Either way, take advantage of Oregon's tremendous hunting opportunities and the chance to enjoy the outdoors with friends.”

Unlike the ODFW Youth Mentor Program, the Take a Friend Hunting contest is for adults (age 18 and older) only, and each person must hunt on their own license and tag. All types of hunting (big game, waterfowl, upland bird, small game, etc.) qualify, as long as they are legal, ethical and safe.

Mentees who want to go big game hunting but did not draw a controlled hunt tag are welcome to join the mentor’s hunt (or vice versa). But the person without a tag may not carry a rifle or bow or take a shot at the big game animal with their friend’s weapon.

Participants need to register for the contest no later than Dec. 31, 2018 at the MyODFW.com website on the contest page (https://myodfw.com/articles/take-friend-hunting-contest ). Both mentor and mentee will be provided with safety guidelines to review, and must commit to having already hunted or plan to in 2018. For the full eligibility and contest rules, visit the contest page.

While both parties need to register and provide a Hunter/Angler ID#, the mentor will win the prize. Winners will be notified by Jan. 31, 2019.

The Take a Friend Hunting Contest is part of ODFW efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of hunting among Oregonians and encourage more participation in the sport. Through their purchase of hunting licenses and equipment, hunters fund wildlife management, research, habitat restoration and other work that benefits both game species and wildlife species that aren’t hunted.

Below are the contest prizes as of July 31, 2018. More prizes may be added, check the contest page for the latest.